France erupted in joy on Sunday as the country clinched the World Cup, with fans streaming into the streets, honking car horns and flying the tricolore flag at the start of an enormous national celebration.

The breathless 4-2 victory against Croatia under stormy skies at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium means Didier Deschamps' side — balancing youthful vitality and tournament nous — have buried the pain of their defeat in the Euro 2016 final on home soil.

For Croatia, a country of just four million people, the loss spells bitter pain but fans at home will celebrate the best run in the nation's history, which featured a stunning win against Argentina and a semi-final victory against England.

French players celebrate at the end of the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 football World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday. — AP

France's Olivier Giroud, left, and France's Corentin Tolisso, centre, celebrate after winning 4-2 in the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

Croatia's Domagoj Vida sits on the pitch at the end of the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

People gather on the fan zone in front of the Eiffel Tower to watch the Russia 2018 World Cup final football match between France and Croatia, on the Champ de Mars in Paris. — AFP

French players throw France head coach Didier Deschamps into the air celebrating at the end of the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

France's Adil Rami celebrates with the trophy after the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

Croatian players after the final match between France and Croatia at the 2018 World Cup in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. — AP

Germany's former captain Philipp Lahm (R) and Russian model Natalia Vodianova pose with the World Cup trophy during the closing ceremony of the Russia 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
— AFP

Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic embraces France's Kylian Mbappe after he received the player of the tournament award. — AP

France's Presnel Kimpembe and Lucas Hernandez celebrate after the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

Supporters of the French football team celebrate after France won the World Cup final between France and Croatia on the Champ de Mars in Paris. — AP

(From L) Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for a photograph during a symbolic transfer of the authority to Qatar to host the World Cup 2022 at the Kremlin in Moscow. — AFP

In this picture taken from the terrace of the Publicis Group, people take to the streets around the Arc de Triomphe to celebrate France's World Cup victory over Croatia, in Paris. — AP

France's Olivier Giroud lifts the trophy after France won 4-2 during the final match between France and Croatia. — AP

Great final but extremely poor officials and use of VR Tech made this match highly controversial 2 great teams Croatia vs France but football is the loser so as fifa.

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ZulfiJul 16, 2018 03:49am

France are deserving champions because they don't just rely on set pieces (corner, penalty, free-kick etc) unlike England and some other teams. They also created chances from open play. Croatia appeared to be under pressure throughout and I suppose own goal and then that penalty (hard to say even after watching the replay many times if it was deliberate handball) really set them back plus their goal-keeper made a number of mistakes. When France beat Argentina 4-3 in the round of 16, they showcased their impressive scoring prowess which was evident again today in the final. France thus deserve to be world champions.

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GeorgeJul 16, 2018 03:54am

The real heroes are French guests from Africa!

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latif zafarJul 16, 2018 05:00am

A convincing victory for France in the world cup final but Croatia with only a population of 4 millions have won the hearts of the people and deserve all praise for display of their fighting spirit to make their way into the world cup final

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Amer Rao Jul 16, 2018 05:46am

Félicitation ( Congratulations ) from all of us.

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Mazhar Jul 16, 2018 06:15am

Congrats France but Croatia played very well and today they deserve appreciation beacuse they were fight till end of time..Croatia good luck for the next time..

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir AhmadJul 16, 2018 07:00am

Winning two soccer world cups over a period of 20 years is no mean achievement by France. Therefore, they deserve to celebrate their amazing success.

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Abdul RaufJul 16, 2018 08:16am

What a final, thanks to Croatia and congrats to France!

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Ot-teriJul 16, 2018 09:24am

It's the Referee who lost Croatia the final. He missed Griezman's "dive" to win the free kick and decided badly on the handball. Worst refereeing I've ever seen in such a big match.

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ManasJul 16, 2018 09:34am

luv the pics !!

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Bari AbroJul 16, 2018 10:29am

Congrats to Croatia who fought like tiger and still survived like lion,

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NeoJul 16, 2018 11:40am

Heartbreaking final. Two poor decisions from referee cost them the game.

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Dr.Cajetan CoelhoJul 16, 2018 04:03pm

Congratulations to the winners, the runners-up, and all the participating teams in Russia.

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SampathJul 16, 2018 06:38pm

As always, Dawns pictures are superb.

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Arnab BardhanJul 17, 2018 12:58pm

Veni Vidi Vici the French Revolution at Russia. Thanks to Dawn for this beautiful image of World Cup winning moments.